Meeting On Lights Amicable

After a 3-hour, 20-minute meeting Monday, representatives of the Cubs and C.U.B.S. (Citizens United for Baseball in Sunshine) agreed about only one thing: They can`t agree yet.

``We took the first step, but we`re still miles apart,`` said Cub president and general manager Dallas Green after the first head-to-head encounter between the groups at the North Michigan Avenue law offices of Ross and Hardies.

The meeting centered on the Cubs` desire to play night games during the regular season at Wrigley Field. There also was discussion about the possibility of installing temporary lights for postseason play, but the C.U.B.S. group was more in favor of discussing that issue than was the team.

A state law and a city ordinance currently prevent the Cubs from playing night games at Wrigley Field.

Green said the meeting gave both sides a chance to state their cases. The two sides will meet again Thursday.

``It was a good exchange,`` Green said. ``We tried to give them some thoughts and ideas, and they did the same for us. Anytime you look someone eye to eye, it`s better than doing it through the newspapers. There seems to be a desire to work something out. I feel good about the session we had.``

Nancy Kaszak, president of C.U.B.S., said the Cubs were primarily interested in installing permanent lights, which Cub officials said would allow the club to play 18 to 20 night games each season. The group said the Cubs currently do not favor installing temporary lights for postseason play.

``We explored the issue of temporary lights, but they were primarily interested in night baseball during the regular season,`` Kaszak said. ``We are willing to consider temporary lights, but they are only interested in permanent lights. There`s always a possibility of a solution, but I don`t see where we gained any ground.``